After dinner, enjoy live entertainment or dancing at the show lounge Carmen's, or watch larger productions at the ritzy 652-seat Curzon Theatre. Royal Caribbean sails almost everywhere in the world, but its heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe. Its six ultra-luxury ships and five expedition vessels range in size from 51 to 364 suites and feature spacious ocean-view accommodations most with private verandas. Royal Caribbean is the worlds largest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 26 ships that together offer more than 94,000 berths. The cruise director took the stage and warmed us up with a few jokes, along with some instructions that included warnings like, "Be careful" and "Don't run into each other." With more than 10,000 plants and flowers, its a true tropical hideaway. While on board, be sure to indulge in a swanky dinner at The Wake and an immersive show at The Red Room, the first multiform theater at sea. Brave six record-breaking slides at Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea. Sip to the rhythm of live music and DJs at every turn at Chill Island. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? Thrill Waterpark. Were particularly fond of the two-deck-high Music Halls on Quantum-class vessels. There is a larger class of ship now available too the Icon Class, with one ship currently available to book which is Icon of the Seas. And this is just one example. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. (Getty Images). Some parents set rules that their children should not go into another passenger's cabin or that someone should always stay sober if a group is out drinking. Dive into a fully-immersive augmented reality adventure in Expedition Two70. There are full-blown Starbucks cafes on some ships or at least a Starbucks stand. Consider Vegas rules in play -- what happens at Quest stays at Quest. On many ships, parents can drop off their babies at the nursery for short-term babysitting (this service comes with an extra charge). Saga's boutique luxury ocean cruise ships carry a maximum of 987 passengers each. The only parade where every holiday is celebrated at once, Royal Escape Room - Mission Control: Apollo 18. So thats another option if you want an epic action-packed experience. Wine aficionados will enjoy pairing limited-production and rare vintages from the Wine Cellar with dinner and joining wine tastings held in the Mosaic Caf. The ship also has a Polar Class 6 rating, enabling it to sail to destinations like Antarctica. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Whether you are taking a break from the kids after dropping them off in Adventure Ocean, or cruising without kids, there are a few good spots and activities to look for where children will be far from view. Outdoor Spaces 2. Our companions persuaded us to show up early at the Safari Club, where Quest would take place, so we could grab a primo seat -- in this case, close to the stage with unobstructed views. But do note that the drinking age on all ships that visit the U.S., as well as on many U.S.-based cruise lines sailing anywhere in the world, is 21. Its not just families that flock to Royal Caribbean, though. The ultimate infinity pool for serene ocean views with sun-drenched action always close by. And if youd like to see how the different Royal Caribbean ships fared in reviews on sites like TripAdvisor, Cruiseline.com and Cruise Critic, then take a look at this guide to The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews. Solarium Included SUN AND SERENITY Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat. If you want to enjoy some time on shore without kids, look for excursions that do not allow kids to be booked. Oasis-class Zip Line 5. Pricing changes over time, but recently has been priced at $17.99 per day per device for a package that includes streaming. Be sure to grab a tropical cocktail or zero-proof drink at Solarium Bar (or Sunshine Bar, on Quantum ships) to sip poolside while enjoying the ocean vistas. The newest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet Celebrity Beyond provides a unique adults-only dining experience at Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Even 30 minutes ahead of schedule, the lounge was filling up and the crowd was buzzing excitedly. Spa 6. Adults will love this ship more than kids. You'll also receive Silversea's high level of service with just 200 guests and 200 crew, for an immersive and personalized experience aboard. Five big Quantum Class ships and three big Freedom Class ships each have total capacities ranging from around 4,500 to 5,600 passengers. But it quickly got a little more bawdy: a man wearing lipstick or someone with their pants on backward. World-class dining options are in partnership with renowned chef Thomas Keller, such as The Grill, Seabourn's signature restaurant. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest "scavenger hunt," so check out your daily cruise planner to see when it's scheduled. Check here before booking an award fare. Mini-golf. Whatever thrills you seek, youll find all sorts of ways to fill your days onboard Royal Caribbean. Theres also Hooked Seafood, a relatively new concept now on three vessels (Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas) that serves lobster rolls, fish sandwiches and the like. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. By the end, it was barely controlled chaos, with one male member of our group wearing a bra and poorly applied makeup declaring his name was Savannah Sunshine. Royal Caribbean has a point-based frequent cruiser program, the Crown & Anchor Society, that has six tiers ranging from Gold (requiring 3 points) to Pinnacle Club (700 points). While Royal Caribbean offers the perfect collection of cruises for families and kids, this cruise line is also great at providing sailings ideal for adults too! Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Youll see most men wearing suits or sports coats and women in cocktail dresses. The modern and innovative ships feature two open-air, resort-style pools for optimal fun in the sun, alongside the first fully-immersive, 4D virtual reality experience at sea Virtual Adventure Zone. The Discoveries Bar is another favorite of guests where you can mingle with fellow cruisers at the end of the day. Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class is best for solo travellers as those travelling alone couldnt possibly get bored while sailing on some of the largest cruise ships in the world! These smaller ships accommodating a maximum of 702 guests sail waterways and rivers larger ships can't access, where they can dock in city centers and unique ports of call around the globe. You'll also find health and wellness programs curated by Dr. Andrew Weil. Youll receive a SeaPass card that you can use to make charges. Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville - Adults Only All Inclusive Resort is situated in the stunning Caribbean destination of the Dominican Republic. The ship departs from Southampton in the U.K. and sails to the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal; the British Isles; Norway and Iceland; and the U.S., Caribbean and Canada. Many Azamara voyages also offer longer stays and overnights in ports not found on many other itineraries (including wine and culture itineraries) and feature special events such as the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool during a British Isles cruise. Once on board a Royal Caribbean vessel, youll pay extra for most drinks (most beers will set you back $7.99, for instance; wine by the glass ranges from $8 to $14), extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things unless youve bought a package for some of these items in advance. Royal Caribbean What Is Royal Caribbean's 'The Quest?' "The Quest" varies based on who's leading, but it's a mildly adult (to sometimes very adult) game/competition designed to be more. The rinks are in the interiors of the ships, surrounded by stadium seating for up to 775 people, and the shows are out of this world. The line has hired Olympic-level skaters to star in the productions. The line's two ships, Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, feature all-balcony cabins and depart from either the Dover or Southampton cruise ports in the U.K. Hes sailed on more than 150 ships. Ships with mini-golf courses . Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers (called Royal Genies) who attend to your every need, access to a private restaurant, access to a private suite lounge and sun deck, reserved seating in entertainment venues and priority boarding and disembarkation. The Royal Tots program (for ages 18 months to 3 years) offers 45-minute interactive playground sessions with age-appropriate activities and toys. At Norwegian Epic's Posh Beach Club, complimentary perks include fruit skewers, cold water spritzers and a snack menu. Adults can also enjoy pre-dinner cocktails in one of the lounges and nightly entertainment in the Constellation Theater; for a nightcap, sip a fine cognac in one of the ship's favorite hideaways, the Connoisseur Club. It is the moments, As much as everyone on a cruise hopes for endless days of sun, a slight breeze, and warm temperatures, the truth is, Certain cruise ports require tendering from ship to shore, but what does this mean and how does the cruise ship tender, Several changes are coming to Royal Caribbean in 2023, from a new Main Dining Room menu to a Perfect Day at CocoCay. As noted above, the lines biggest vessels offer multiple entertainment venues, from theaters to comedy clubs; all manner of deck-top attractions; large casinos; full-service spas; and even ice skating rinks. You can enjoy a quiet afternoon reading a book on a bench in the tree-lined Central Park area of Wonder of the Seas while, just a few decks above, thousands of vacationers frolic away at the ships three distinct pool areas. In addition to these off-the-beaten-path excursions, guests can visit iconic sites like the ancient city of Ephesus (Kuadasi) in Turkey and the Parthenon and Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. You can purchase a multiday pass in advance for Vibe Beach Club, and cabana rentals are available for more privacy. Together, the 18 Oasis, Quantum, Freedom and Voyager class vessels make up Royal Caribbeans big-ship fleet. Disney. If you want to get your workout in, the various weights, machines and fitness classes are another spot to not have to contend with children. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Its a great photo op, so dont forget your camera. Itineraries span destinations in the Caribbean and Europe, as well as trans-Atlantic crossings. Gather the grown-ups and set sail on an ocean, river or expedition cruise around the world. When I was invited to the Inaugural Voyage and naming ceremony of their new ship - Odyssey of the Seas, I was excited to attend. Note that such voyages are on hold of late due to travel restrictions in China related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rock climb to the top of Adrenaline Peak for unmatched views. Here's Why You Shouldn't Panic, Virtual Cruise Trip Report: Onboard a Cruise Critic Member's "Fake, Made Up and Completely Impossible" Cruise Itinerary. 7. Royal Caribbean ships offer an inordinate amount of teen- and tween-friendly attractions everything from some of the largest waterslides at sea to bumper car pavilions. Passengers can make the most of some alone time with a quick nap and a good book, or simply kick back and relax before heading back into the high-energy environment elsewhere on the ship. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cabins and suites. Serve up stiff competition during a table tennis face off. This special event takes place in select destinations and includes chilled Champagne, caviar, live music and a barbecue set against the backdrop of white sand beaches and turquoise waters in beautiful locales around the world. In recent years, Royal Caribbean has deployed one or more ships to China for sailings aimed at the Chinese market. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. In some cases, the shows are cut down slightly (though some still run nearly two hours), and the casts arent the A-team youll find on Broadway. If you prefer French-style fare and world-class wines served in an elegant and shimmering setting (think Lumiere), Enchant by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. The exact activities offered will vary from ship to ship, and sailing to sailing. Depending on the ship, adult travelers can also dance the night away in a trendy club, watch live entertainment or a cabaret show, catch a sports game on satellite TV, or sit back and relax with an after-dinner cocktail at a bar or lounge. As is typical for cruise lines, Royal Caribbean charges on a per-person basis, not per room, and it prices most cabins based on two people occupying a room. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. On Royal Caribbeans giant Oasis-class ships, there are multiple pool areas, watery play zones, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, miniature golf courses, basketball courts and even zip lines. The lines five Quantum-class vessels have a much smaller version of the Royal Promenade called the Royal Esplanade that transitions into another indoor area called The Via. Now it's time to enjoy the best of what Royal Caribbean has to offer - our exclusive onboard activities! When Will Royal Caribbean Bring Back an Adult Favorite Activity? As of the time of this guide's posting, for instance, a two-bedroom Grand Suite on Harmony of the Seas for a seven-night Caribbean cruise in January 2024 was going for $3,010 per person, based on double occupancy. Tags: Travel, Cruises, Couples Vacations, Solo Vacations, Vacation Ideas. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing often is available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). It does offer a small number of cabins on some ships that are priced based on single occupancy for solo travelers. Many cruise lines have a version of the Quest. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Think you can get a bullseye? (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Brush up on your Spanish skills in an interactive onboard class. No other cruise line has as broad a range of entertainment and activities on its ships as Royal Caribbean. It's the Quest game show, the adults-only scavenger hunt that ranks as a cruise can't-miss. Two ships in P&O Cruises' U.K.-based fleet Arcadia and Aurora are exclusively for adults 18 and older. No votes so far! Norwegian Encore, one of the line's newest ships, boasts an impressive two-level beach club. The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Other included-in-the-fare offerings found on some ships include Sorrentos pizza parlors, the Mediterranean cuisine-themed Solarium Bistro and the coffee bar Cafe Promenade. While the free programming ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at Adventure Ocean until 2 a.m., when it transforms into a supervised Late Night Party Zone. Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Learn more. With onboard pools, you've got plenty of chances to make a splash. The version of the Royal Promenade on Oasis of the Seas, for instance, offers the Bionic Bar, where a robot makes the drinks, along with the equally innovative Rising Tide Bar, which rises between the Royal Promenade and the outdoor Central Park area three decks above while you drink. Book an Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise. A few lines have meet-and-greets for young adults to meet other cruisers their age, but it's assumed that passengers age 18+ will just participate in the regular cruise activities: hanging out by the pool, joining in dance classes or trivia games, playing ball on the sports court, etc. Some ships have as many as 34 categories of cabins. The incredible array of onboard activities. Get ready for a total blast from the past at the greatest 80's party ever. The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. But there have been instances of rape and sexual assault on cruise lines, so you'll want your child to use common sense and take the same precautions she does at home, school or in any new city. So, while a group of college kids can certainly take a cruise, they'll have to bring along an older friend, sibling or even a parent. The line will welcome Venture's sister ship, Seabourn Pursuit, in 2023. Throwback to the decade that was all that and a bag of chips, The poolside screen is huge - and so is the fun, Play 3-on-3 with an ocean view at the Sports Court, Jump, jive and wail at Harmony High, the most rockin show at sea. The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist. Other adult-focused venues to check out on Celebrity Beyond are the new elevated bar spaces. Photos should strictly be used for memories -- and possibly blackmail of family members. The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Young Adults, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Couples, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Seniors, The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Solo Travellers, The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships for Adults, Read more about Royal Caribbeans Quantum Class, The Best & Worst Royal Caribbean Ships By Reviews. 9. Check out the full list of Perfect Day CocoCay Bahamas activities below. Guests can enjoy up to 10 dining experiences on the ship, including fine dining at Lumire. That's more than six times the cost of the least-expensive inside cabin (which was starting at $481 per person, based on double occupancy). Not everybody plays into it. Members earn points for every night they sail on one of the lines ships, with double points awarded to passengers staying in suites. The newest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet are the Icon-class ships, with the debut ship being Icon of the Seas. Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. The world-renowned Global Culinary Ambassador for the line, Daniel Boulud, created the menu at this elegant venue, incorporating dishes inspired by his travels. Access to the space is complimentary for passengers 21 and older; while there, guests can enjoy relaxing loungers, daybeds and whirlpools. It has long dazzled customers with stunning, resort-like vessels full of every sort of amusement and activity you could imagine. Yes. Smash candies into colorful bits in this super-sweet virtual reality game on SkyPad. Since there are few (or no) activities geared toward younger cruisers and no babysitting services, you typically won't find parents with young children on these ships. Related: 4 things youll love about Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of the Seas. A growing number of Royal Caribbean ships also have water parks with significant waterslides. Additional amenities like complimentary internet access, specialty dining, butler service and other perks come with Veranda Plus rooms or suite accommodations. In short, theyre like the megaresorts you see in Las Vegas or Orlando. Score prime waves all day every day on the FlowRider surf simulator. To gain entrance, people need to be over 16.. Two clans collide in an icy new glow-inthe-dark laser tag faceoff for control of a mystical frozen city. Perhaps the most bizarre attractions ever conceived for a cruise ship, they are giant mechanical arms topped with glass-enclosed capsules that will take you soaring above the ships for the view. This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual $300 travel credit). The heart of the program, called Adventure Ocean, has free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 12. Theres also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, which offers 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel (and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining). All rights reserved. The Best Overall Royal Caribbean Ships For Adults: While this is definitely a ship that families will love, there are some great features specifically for adults who are either travelling without kids or who just want to relax while their children are busy in the kids club. On Oasis-class ships, there also are 735-seat outdoor aqua theaters that are home to dazzling aerial and water shows. The entire room is a mystery to unravel in Escape the Rubicon, Browse and buy original art from our curated collection. Central Park is a popular venue which is situated in the centre of the ship and brings a neighbourly vibe. Related: How fast is the internet on Royal Caribbean ships? 6 Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Families. Hand glazed with 5 year old Tortuga rum then vacuum packed to lock in freshness. Located at the front of every ship in the fleet, this indoor-outdoor oasis (indoors only on Quantum Class ships) offers impressive vistas and endless views of the sea. The top-notch entertainment, including Broadway shows. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. Arcadia, the newer of the two ships, carries 2,094 guests and 866 crew. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The newest cruise ship, Seabourn Ovation, accommodates up to 600 guests and offers amenities found on most of Seabourn's ships such as well-appointed oceanfront suites, living areas with dining tables, verandas, a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio and a Personal Suite Host to cater to your every need. Each day and night brings something new to do, see and explore. On some ships, youll also find Izumi, a sushi-serving Asian eatery; Vintages, a small bite-serving wine bar; imaginative cuisine-serving Wonderland; and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, which offers cold brews, burgers and wings along with games like foosball. The child-free venue varies from ship to ship. Other features of Oasis-class ships include the tallest slide at sea the Ultimate Abyss and the incredible AquaTheater stage for diving and acrobatics like youve never seen before. Yes. Physical activities. Find the right card for you. Situated on deck 14 and boasting more than 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space this luxurious accommodation features one of the largest balconies at sea with a Treesse mini-pool, two bedrooms and a private in-suite spa. The British-inspired sailings are all-inclusive; fares cover meals at all onboard restaurants as well as access to entertainment venues, Wi-Fi, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Fuel bolder bonding at Surfside the ultimate stay-all-day family neighborhood. If its a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and youre bound for the top deck, that means looking like youre going to the beach T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine. You can even order a bottle of Champagne for yourself or friends anywhere on the ship via the Virgin Voyages Sailor app's secret "Shake for Champagne" feature. The aft location of the bar offers almost twice the space as previous iterations and beautiful wake views. Dare to conquer the Crowns Edge, a test of bravery like nothing youve ever seen. The second-to-highest tier, Diamond Plus (175 points), brings Concierge Club access, priority seating at onboard shows, an exclusive number to call for bookings and reduced rates for solo travelers, plus other things. They sometimes sell out in advance due to heavy demand and limited capacity. The lines remaining eight vessels, split among two classes, are relatively smaller, with maximum occupancy topping out at around 2,500 passengers. Tortuga Caribbean Six-Pack Mix, 4-Ounce Cake (Pack of 6) (Gift Pack) Baked in the Caribbean from a four-generations old family recipe. Related: The 9 best meals you can have at sea. However, there are a lot of factors that go into pricing for any given cruise, including the popularity of the specific itinerary, the time of year when the cruise is taking place and changing demand trends. Cruise line staff cannot serve wine or any other alcoholic drink to your underage son or daughter. Royal Escape Room - Mission Control: Apollo 18 North Star Virtual Concert Dance Classes Latin Fiesta Expedition Two70 Tidal Wave All Access Tour Zip Line FlowRider SeaPlex Table Tennis Bass Bouncer Whirlpools Game shows Dancing Under The Stars Typhoon and Cyclone Spanish Classes Totally Awesome 90s Street Party Pool Parties Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, The best places to see cherry blossoms around the US this spring, Looking back: How my points and miles strategy has changed over the years, The best increased card offers to sign up for this March. Your . The Best Royal Caribbean Ships For Couples: Spectrum of the Seas is mainly based in Asia, featuring regional flavours on menus in restaurants such as Sichuan Red and Noodle Bar, while Odyssey of the Seas is found in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Related: The 9 most exciting new cruise ships of 2023. In a typical summer, the line will deploy about half its ships on sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda while sending another six or seven ships to Europe. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. The top decks of Royal Caribbean ships are where things get crazy. TPG values it at $1,600. The new Adventure Ocean youth program is designed to ignite the imagination. Get micd up and max out the hits at Spotlight Karaoke. The Solarium is an adults only pool on all Royal Caribbean ships where children under 16 years old are prohibited from lounging. Awe is inspired on a grand new scale at the shimmering AquaDome. In the end, the top three teams get medals and temporary admiration from every person who witnessed the hysterical display. And with the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, kids and teens will have a blast plus parents can get a little time of their own. Solarium is Royal Caribbean International's complimentary, child-free space open to guests 16 and older. Polish your PADI skills and get dive certified on your vacation. This sprawling oasis is the largest pool at sea with over 40,000 gallons of water. Sports Competitions. For a less formal option, check out the Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern specialties and the intimate teppanayaki grill experience at Night Market @Koko's. In This Article Freedom of the Seas Stats 1. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Royal Caribbean adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18.50 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. The superyacht-inspired vessels boast 20-plus eateries, including restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, and a variety of onboard fitness and wellness spaces. However, higher levels of the program start to be very enticing. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations.